Good morning caregivers,
Do you have a loved one that still lives on their own? One thing I found with the elderly is that their hearing seems to get worse as they age. With this comes listening to the television extremely loud. There is a safety issue that comes with listening to the TV loudly and it's not the obvious damage to the ears when you listen at this level. I am talking about not being able to hear other sounds around them. If there is an important call coming in or maybe its just ou checking up on them by calling.
Well, I have found the neatest product. It's called a TV Silencer. It is a device that cancels the tv volume when the phone rings. This way your loved one will never miss an important call, or any call. At least not due to the not hearing the phone ring because the tv is too loud. I have put a link here that you can click on to read about this device. I am not sure of the logistics of how it works but the ad says it is a simple set-up.
Click Here for TV Silencer
Or click the ad at the bottom of the page
Strokes-Recovery & Support
Right after the stroke of a loved one can be a very emotional and frightening time. It seems that information can be difficult to come by.
I have found a great site on the web that is dedicated to just this issue. I wanted to post a few topics they have on their site, along with links to more resources.
Clicking on any of these links will take you to their website.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Recovery and Support What to Expect in Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery for many stroke survivors. The effects of stroke may mean that you must change, relearn or redefine how you live. Stroke rehabilitation helps you return to independent living. Common Effects of Stroke
Every stroke is unique, but strokes tend to produce some common effects.
Rehab and Regaining Independence
Learn about what to expect in rehab, new and alternative therapies and tips for regaining as much independence as possible.
Tips for Daily Living
Whether you need advice about chopping vegetables with one hand, getting behind the wheel again or reducing stress, this section has something for you.
Getting Support
Having a stroke can be an isolating experience. But you're not alone, and no one knows better what you're going through than another survivor or caregiver. Personal Stories
Stroke survivors do amazing things. Read stories from and about stroke survivors all over the country as they share their personal insights and experiences.
Receiving Quality Care
Accreditation and recognition programs that help identify hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and healthcare professionals providing quality care for stroke patients.
Have a happy and supportive day caregivers!
I have found a great site on the web that is dedicated to just this issue. I wanted to post a few topics they have on their site, along with links to more resources.
Clicking on any of these links will take you to their website.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Recovery and Support What to Expect in Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a critical part of recovery for many stroke survivors. The effects of stroke may mean that you must change, relearn or redefine how you live. Stroke rehabilitation helps you return to independent living. Common Effects of Stroke
Every stroke is unique, but strokes tend to produce some common effects.
 |  |
|
Learn about what to expect in rehab, new and alternative therapies and tips for regaining as much independence as possible.
Tips for Daily Living
Whether you need advice about chopping vegetables with one hand, getting behind the wheel again or reducing stress, this section has something for you.
 | |
|
Having a stroke can be an isolating experience. But you're not alone, and no one knows better what you're going through than another survivor or caregiver. Personal Stories
Stroke survivors do amazing things. Read stories from and about stroke survivors all over the country as they share their personal insights and experiences.
Receiving Quality Care
Accreditation and recognition programs that help identify hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and healthcare professionals providing quality care for stroke patients.
Have a happy and supportive day caregivers!
Aids for Daily Living
I know how hard it is to find daily living aids for the elderly and the disabled. I have worked with a company during the period I owned my facility that I have found to be very reliable and has great customer service. One thing I really appreciate about this company is that they have such a wide array of products. I mean, if you need something for the one you are caring for, whether for arts, crafts, rehab, therapy, they probably have it. I have put a link here so you can go look around at their site. I posted just a couple of products here to show you the type of things they have:
3-Section Plate
Great price - as low as $10.99!
For those with poor coordination or perceptual difficulties. Unbreakable Melamine® plate features 3 food compartments, 3/4" deep. Raised rim allows ... read more
Item #: 10565 (each of 48)
In stock and ready to ship!
Now Only: $12.99 each.
Buy 6 or more: $10.99 each SAVE 15%
Good Grip Utensil
Great price - as low as $10.99!
Good Grips is ideal for clients with limited range of motion. Bends up to 90 degrees either right or left. Stainless steel utensils are dishwasher safe. Select teaspoon, tablespoon, fork or knife.
Item #: 1033S
As low as: $10.99 each.
Heres the link to their page CLICK HERE to go to S & S Inc.
Great price - as low as $10.99!
For those with poor coordination or perceptual difficulties. Unbreakable Melamine® plate features 3 food compartments, 3/4" deep. Raised rim allows ... read more
Item #: 10565 (each of 48)
In stock and ready to ship!
Now Only: $12.99 each.
Buy 6 or more: $10.99 each SAVE 15%
Great price - as low as $10.99!
Good Grips is ideal for clients with limited range of motion. Bends up to 90 degrees either right or left. Stainless steel utensils are dishwasher safe. Select teaspoon, tablespoon, fork or knife.
Item #: 1033S
As low as: $10.99 each.
Heres the link to their page CLICK HERE to go to S & S Inc.
Medicare and health care reform
Good mornig caregivers and seniors,
Medicare will be experiencing changes in the next few years. It has become very confusing to figure out what that means to our seniors. I found a great article that may help to answer some questions you have. I am posting page 1 of the article and you can follow the link to get to the next page.
If there are still more questions you have please post them here and I will research for you to find the answers you seek.
Have a wonderful day caregivers and if you ever find any other great resources let us know, Thanks!
Washington Many senior citizens worry about the effect that the health care reform bill may have on them. After all, they generally use the health care system more than do younger people. And those living on fixed incomes may have little leeway in their budgets to help if their health costs rise.
Skip to next paragraph Would the healthcare reform legislation that President Obama plans to sign into law on Tuesday affect seniors in any direct way?
The short answer is “yes.”
Healthcare 101: What the bill means to you
The longer answer is that some seniors may lose Medicare benefits they now enjoy. Many others will gain from an enhancement of Medicare’s prescription-drug program.
Here are some specifics on these changes:
Medicare Advantage plans often offer extra benefits that seniors in traditional Medicare don’t get. It is possible that these extras will be dropped as Medicare Advantage plans feel a budget squeeze.
In most areas of the United States, this reduction will be phased in over three years, beginning in 2011, although in some places it will take longer.
The bill does not contain cuts to traditional Medicare benefits. However, Medicare payments for home healthcare would be reduced by $40 billion between now and 2019. And certain payments to hospitals would be cut by $22 billion over that same period.
Right now, after a senior has spent $2,700 on drugs in a year, coverage stops until that same person has spent $6,154 on drugs, when it starts up again.
Hence the “doughnut hole” nickname.
Beginning in 2010, people who fall into this hole will get $250 from the government to help. Thereafter, according to the bill, the US will gradually increase the percentage of drug costs it pays within this gap. By 2020, the US will pay 75 percent of senior drug costs between $2,700 and $6,154.
Medicare will also begin to pick up the tab for annual wellness visits. Page 2
Medicare will be experiencing changes in the next few years. It has become very confusing to figure out what that means to our seniors. I found a great article that may help to answer some questions you have. I am posting page 1 of the article and you can follow the link to get to the next page.
If there are still more questions you have please post them here and I will research for you to find the answers you seek.
Have a wonderful day caregivers and if you ever find any other great resources let us know, Thanks!
Washington Many senior citizens worry about the effect that the health care reform bill may have on them. After all, they generally use the health care system more than do younger people. And those living on fixed incomes may have little leeway in their budgets to help if their health costs rise.
Skip to next paragraph
Related Stories
The short answer is “yes.”
Healthcare 101: What the bill means to you
The longer answer is that some seniors may lose Medicare benefits they now enjoy. Many others will gain from an enhancement of Medicare’s prescription-drug program.
Here are some specifics on these changes:
Medicare cuts
Under the healthcare reform bill, government payments to Medicare Advantage – plans that are run by private insurers such as Humana and are an alternative to traditional Medicare – will be cut by $132 billion over 10 years. (Those plans currently get somewhat more per person from the government than traditional Medicare does.)Medicare Advantage plans often offer extra benefits that seniors in traditional Medicare don’t get. It is possible that these extras will be dropped as Medicare Advantage plans feel a budget squeeze.
In most areas of the United States, this reduction will be phased in over three years, beginning in 2011, although in some places it will take longer.
The bill does not contain cuts to traditional Medicare benefits. However, Medicare payments for home healthcare would be reduced by $40 billion between now and 2019. And certain payments to hospitals would be cut by $22 billion over that same period.
Medicare enhancements
The bill would bolster the existing Medicare prescription-drug benefit by addressing part of its “doughnut hole” problem.Right now, after a senior has spent $2,700 on drugs in a year, coverage stops until that same person has spent $6,154 on drugs, when it starts up again.
Hence the “doughnut hole” nickname.
Beginning in 2010, people who fall into this hole will get $250 from the government to help. Thereafter, according to the bill, the US will gradually increase the percentage of drug costs it pays within this gap. By 2020, the US will pay 75 percent of senior drug costs between $2,700 and $6,154.
Medicare will also begin to pick up the tab for annual wellness visits. Page 2
People grow old only by deserting their ideals, Macarthur had written. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interest wrinkles the soul. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope as old as your despair. In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber. So long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer and courage, so long are you young. When your heart is covered with the snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then, and then only, are you grown old. And then, indeed as the ballad says, you just fade away. Douglas MacArthur
Poem
Hi Caregivers, daughters, sons,grandchildren,
I had found this poem online and wanted to share it with you. Being a caregiver to people whom I was not related to, I found so many different family dynamics. This is one dynamic I thought of many times. I saw so many children place their loved ones with me and disappear. Reading this brought some of those feelings back that I experienced.
Source: The Forgotten Mother, Aging Poems http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=2464#ixzz0lzSSZ1Tp
The link above has other poems that you may enjoy.
Take care caregivers!
I had found this poem online and wanted to share it with you. Being a caregiver to people whom I was not related to, I found so many different family dynamics. This is one dynamic I thought of many times. I saw so many children place their loved ones with me and disappear. Reading this brought some of those feelings back that I experienced.
The Forgotten Mother
© RUBY LATIMER EDWARDS
A gray old woman sits all alone
Unloved, uncherished and unknown.
Sitting beside her broken door.
Dreaming of days past long ago,
When children played about her knee
Filling the air with childish glee,
Tended by her with loving care.
Knowing the blessing of a Mother's prayer.
But now they have gone, each to his life
A girl to her husband, a boy to his wife,
Forgetful are they of her who sits here
Silently wiping a tricking tear,
For striving for things in a life so brief
Blind their poor eyes to a dear Mother's grief.
But does she upbraid them in word or in mind.
Nor does their neglect to her seem unkind.
She'll forgive and forget all unkindness they've shown
This poor old mother who sits alone.
Unloved, uncherished and unknown.
Sitting beside her broken door.
Dreaming of days past long ago,
When children played about her knee
Filling the air with childish glee,
Tended by her with loving care.
Knowing the blessing of a Mother's prayer.
But now they have gone, each to his life
A girl to her husband, a boy to his wife,
Forgetful are they of her who sits here
Silently wiping a tricking tear,
For striving for things in a life so brief
Blind their poor eyes to a dear Mother's grief.
But does she upbraid them in word or in mind.
Nor does their neglect to her seem unkind.
She'll forgive and forget all unkindness they've shown
This poor old mother who sits alone.
Source: The Forgotten Mother, Aging Poems http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=2464#ixzz0lzSSZ1Tp
The link above has other poems that you may enjoy.
Take care caregivers!
Stories and reading to the elderly
Good Morning caregivers!
I hope you are all well today.
I wanted to share a great book with you that is a great read aloud for our senior loved ones. It is written for all elderly and is appropriate for those with Alz.
Heres the description on their site:
A Loving Voice: A Caregiver's Book of Read-Aloud Stories for the Elderly is a collection of 56 very special short stories and poems perfectly suited for adults with dementia.
Authors: Edited by Carolyn Banks and Janis Rizzo
Here's a book you will want to open up and read to your loved one. Many of the stories are of a reminiscent nature about life in the forties and fifties. Their lengths are suitable for those with shorter attention spans or who have difficulty keeping track of characters or plots.
Chapter titles include:
It really is a great book and I put a link here so you can go to their site and read more info and/or purchase
Click Here
Have a great day!
I will keep providing you caregivers and seniors with links to resources that I feel are important
I hope you are all well today.
I wanted to share a great book with you that is a great read aloud for our senior loved ones. It is written for all elderly and is appropriate for those with Alz.
Heres the description on their site:
A Loving Voice: A Caregiver's Book of Read-Aloud Stories for the Elderly is a collection of 56 very special short stories and poems perfectly suited for adults with dementia.
Authors: Edited by Carolyn Banks and Janis Rizzo
Here's a book you will want to open up and read to your loved one. Many of the stories are of a reminiscent nature about life in the forties and fifties. Their lengths are suitable for those with shorter attention spans or who have difficulty keeping track of characters or plots.
Chapter titles include:
- "Some Games My Mother Played"
- "Thelma's Quilt"
- "The Kiss"
- "A Sprig of Thyme"
- "A Real Bargain"
It really is a great book and I put a link here so you can go to their site and read more info and/or purchase
Click Here
Have a great day!
I will keep providing you caregivers and seniors with links to resources that I feel are important
Dysphagia Diets- Swallowing Problems
Good Day Caregivers,
I was thinking about one of the hardest diets to understand and prepare correctly. It is called Dysphagia. It is a problem with swallowing for a variety of different reasons. What is important is that the person with dysphagia get exactly what the therapist has prescribed. The diet uses thickness, texture and temperatures to help in swallowing issues. I wanted to give you some info about this diet and signs and symptoms to look for in your elderly loved one, especially in the case of stroke patients.
Signs of chewing and swallowing problems
How to assist someone to eat and improve nutritional intake
Swallowing test
If choking and drooling become excessive, contact a speech pathologist or speech therapist to arrange for a swallowing test through your physician or home care. The test is called a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study. While the person swallows liquids of varying amounts and consistencies, the therapist watches a screen showing which liquids proceed to the stomach and which are aspirated into the lungs. If the test has to be done at home, a therapist will observe the person eating and drinking without the equipment. The therapist will then recommend appropriate changes, such as changing the size of the spoon, placing food on a specific area of the tongue and positioning the person at a certain angle during or immediately after eating. The therapist may also recommend a special diet.
Special diets
Special diets may be recommended following a swallowing test.
I was thinking about one of the hardest diets to understand and prepare correctly. It is called Dysphagia. It is a problem with swallowing for a variety of different reasons. What is important is that the person with dysphagia get exactly what the therapist has prescribed. The diet uses thickness, texture and temperatures to help in swallowing issues. I wanted to give you some info about this diet and signs and symptoms to look for in your elderly loved one, especially in the case of stroke patients.
Signs of chewing and swallowing problems
- Extra effort chewing or swallowing
- Eating very slowly
- Packing food into the cheeks
- Swallowing several times for a single mouthful of food
- Shortness of breath during eating
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking
- Drooling
- Fluid leaking from the nose after swallowing
- A wet-sounding voice after eating
- Increased congestion in the chest after eating
- Repeated bouts of pneumonia
- What type of food or fluid was he eating when the choking occurred?
- If the person wears dentures, were they in at the time?
- Was the person walking around with food in his mouth?
- Was he laughing or talking?
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- Ensure that foods are neither too hot nor too cold
- Feed attractive, tasty, pleasant-smelling foods to enhance appetite
- Use finger foods to encourage independence and safety
- Make sure he is ready to eat i.e. the dentures, eyeglasses and hearing aid are in place
- Try to make the eating environment quiet and inviting with as few distractions as possible. Try playing some quiet music.
- Make sure he is seated correctly i.e. as close to 90 degrees as possible
- Try to tuck the chin under so it points to the chest (if necessary have the person in a chair offering head support)
- Sit at eye level as you assist the person with eating
- Use a teaspoon to avoid putting too much food in the mouth at once
- Remind the person to chew each mouthful thoroughly
- Touch the person's lower lip to stimulate opening the mouth
- Massage the throat to stimulate the swallow reflex
- Take as much time as necessary to help the person enjoy the meal
- Ensure the person remains sitting in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after each meal
- Clean out the mouth after each meal
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 | Feed small amounts of food first, then gradually increase the amount as the ability to swallow increases. |
| If the person is not swallowing between spoonfuls, put an empty spoon into the mouth to trigger the swallowing mechanism. |
| Use wide, shallow glasses instead of tall, narrow ones. |
| Never feed someone lying down if at all possible and do not tilt the head back. If the person must be fed in bed, prop up with pillows |
| Watch for foods that have a double consistency i.e. anything with a skin such as peas, grapes. These may be difficult to manage. |
| Do not wash food down with a liquid. |
| Do not use straws for chewing and swallowing problems. Straws increase air swallowing and add to the number of steps required for drinking. |
If choking and drooling become excessive, contact a speech pathologist or speech therapist to arrange for a swallowing test through your physician or home care. The test is called a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study. While the person swallows liquids of varying amounts and consistencies, the therapist watches a screen showing which liquids proceed to the stomach and which are aspirated into the lungs. If the test has to be done at home, a therapist will observe the person eating and drinking without the equipment. The therapist will then recommend appropriate changes, such as changing the size of the spoon, placing food on a specific area of the tongue and positioning the person at a certain angle during or immediately after eating. The therapist may also recommend a special diet.
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Special diets
Special diets may be recommended following a swallowing test.
- Minced diet
In a minced diet, all food is minced for easier chewing or swallowing. - Pureed diet
A pureed diet may be the only alternative for a person with dementia or severe eating and swallowing problems. Use a blender or food processor to puree foods to the consistency of baby food. Soft and smooth foods, such as applesauce, puddings and eggs can be served in their normal form. - Thickeners
Thickened fluids may be recommended as a remedy to chewing and swallowing problems. Natural thickeners include tapioca, flour, instant potato flakes, oats and matzo meal. Thickeners can be used in hot or cold fluids. Add the thickener gradually until the fluid reaches the desired consistency. - Liquid supplements
Nutrition drinks and liquid supplements, such as Ensure, can be used to supplement the diets of people who are having trouble eating and drinking and not getting enough nutrients.
| Fortified nutritional drinks such as Carnation Instant Breakfast are a good source of nutrition and may be cheaper than liquid supplements. Powdered protein can also be used to make a high protein drink. |
Activities for Patients with dementia
This is a topic that I can go on and on about. I enjoy promoting activities to patients because it builds their self esteem, confidence and makes them feel like they are a part of society.
Depending on the level of dementia there are very simple activities to more complex. Some of my patients who were very far progressed in dementia enjoyed much more simple activities. Things that they can accomplish and feel good about. Many women with late stage dementia enjoy doing basic household duties such as folding clothes, sorting etc. I put together a laundry basket full of socks, towels, washcloths and other similar type items. During the day I would bring this basket to a patient and they would really feel satisfied when they were finished. Now, the folding was not always done well, and the socks weren't always matched up right but that does not matter. It is not the outcome of the laundry but the outcome of the patient.
I have found a fun activity for those that are not quite so progressed. I wanted to share it with you:
"Social interaction is a major aspect of leisure lifestyle. This is particularly true of adult leisure involvement. In many situations, the social interaction is more significant and important to the participants than the activity itself." (Gunn & Peterson, Therapeutic Recreation Program Design: Principles and Procedures. 1984).
Tea cup table centers
submitted by Nicolla Moran of Oakbridge retirement village on December 19, 2009
Size of Group: 1-15
Equipment: Tea cups and saucers ( very cheap from a charity shop) Floristry foam Flowers (chrysanthemum and carnations)
Objective: This really helps build the self esteem of people with dementia. It produces beautiful table centers that get lots of praise and is easy and stimulating to do. It also bonds the group or can be done 1-1, and people at all stages can do this.
Description: At a table cut the floristry foam into small squares that fit snugly in the teacups. Once the foam is in the teacup, water until wet through. Put a tea cup in front of each chair at the table. Cut the heads from all the flowers at an angle. Cut them at short but various lengths. A resident with higher skills could help you do all this.
Once you have enlisted people for the activity sit them down around the table with a teacup.
Hand out an equal amount of flowers then ask the residents to push the flowers into the floristry foam while you demonstrate.
Go round the table giving help and praise, and have a big round of applause once done. Then ask the residents to find a table to display their arrangements. Place them on saucers and you have fabulous table arrangement that residents can enjoy for days.
I hope you all enjoyed this. I will post more activities soon. Also there are some great activity resources on line. I also used to go to websites with childrens activities and have been able to tweek them to work well with seniors with and without dementia.
Caregivers are the Greatest!
Depending on the level of dementia there are very simple activities to more complex. Some of my patients who were very far progressed in dementia enjoyed much more simple activities. Things that they can accomplish and feel good about. Many women with late stage dementia enjoy doing basic household duties such as folding clothes, sorting etc. I put together a laundry basket full of socks, towels, washcloths and other similar type items. During the day I would bring this basket to a patient and they would really feel satisfied when they were finished. Now, the folding was not always done well, and the socks weren't always matched up right but that does not matter. It is not the outcome of the laundry but the outcome of the patient.
I have found a fun activity for those that are not quite so progressed. I wanted to share it with you:
"Social interaction is a major aspect of leisure lifestyle. This is particularly true of adult leisure involvement. In many situations, the social interaction is more significant and important to the participants than the activity itself." (Gunn & Peterson, Therapeutic Recreation Program Design: Principles and Procedures. 1984).
Tea cup table centerssubmitted by Nicolla Moran of Oakbridge retirement village on December 19, 2009
Size of Group: 1-15
Equipment: Tea cups and saucers ( very cheap from a charity shop) Floristry foam Flowers (chrysanthemum and carnations)
Objective: This really helps build the self esteem of people with dementia. It produces beautiful table centers that get lots of praise and is easy and stimulating to do. It also bonds the group or can be done 1-1, and people at all stages can do this.
Description: At a table cut the floristry foam into small squares that fit snugly in the teacups. Once the foam is in the teacup, water until wet through. Put a tea cup in front of each chair at the table. Cut the heads from all the flowers at an angle. Cut them at short but various lengths. A resident with higher skills could help you do all this.
Once you have enlisted people for the activity sit them down around the table with a teacup.
Hand out an equal amount of flowers then ask the residents to push the flowers into the floristry foam while you demonstrate.
Go round the table giving help and praise, and have a big round of applause once done. Then ask the residents to find a table to display their arrangements. Place them on saucers and you have fabulous table arrangement that residents can enjoy for days.
I hope you all enjoyed this. I will post more activities soon. Also there are some great activity resources on line. I also used to go to websites with childrens activities and have been able to tweek them to work well with seniors with and without dementia.
Caregivers are the Greatest!
Just a quick quirp for good measure
Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.
William A. Ward
William A. Ward
What to do when you think their too old to drive
When should we tell our Elderly Loved ones they can longer drive?
For the most part elderly drivers are safe.
But driving skills do decline with age. But just as with other age groups, driving skills vary from person to person. Telling our elderly loved ones that it may be time to stop driving can be one of the hardest milestones for caregivers, sons, daughters, spouses. Driving represents freedom and independence to the elderly, it allows them the choice to visit with friends & go shopping, without having to rely on anyone else to taxi them around.
Elderly driving skills vary greatly. It's not fair to punish all elderly drivers for problems created by just a small number of elderly drivers. It would not be appropriate for the government to revoke an elderly person's drivers license just because the person has reached a particular age.
When the big question of declining driving abilities becomes a personal issue in your life, the issues involved are very emotional. Elderly drivers might get defensive, even angry, when the subject of their driving abilities is raised. So, include the elderly person in the decision-making process if possible rather than dictate a decision to them. It can also be very helpful if both you and your elderly loved one discuss the matter together with family members, doctors, and other people they respect, such as clergy and friends. But, if despite your best efforts you still have to make the decision to stop them from driving for their own safety and the safety of others.
So just how does aging affect the abilities of elderly drivers?
Being a safe elderly driver requires complex coordination of several different skills. The physical and mental changes that are accompanied with aging can diminish the abilities of the elderly driver. These changes include:
A slowdown in response time
A loss of clarity in vision and hearing
A loss of muscle strength and flexibility
Drowsiness due to medications
A reduction in the ability to focus or concentrate
Taking each one of these issues seperately does not automaticaly mean that elderly driver should stop driving. But caregivers and family members need to evaluate the elderly person's driving on a regular basis to determine if the elderly persons functions alter their driving skills.
Here is a checklist on safe driving for the elderly:
Watch for signs of decline in the elderly person's driving abilities. Do they:
Drive at inappropriate speeds, either too fast or too slow?
Ask passengers to help check if it is clear to pass or turn?
Respond slowly to or not notice pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers?
Ignore, disobey or misinterpret street signs and traffic lights?
Fail to yield to other cars or pedestrians who have the right-of-way?
Fail to judge distances between cars correctly?
Become easily frustrated and angry?
Appear drowsy, confused or frightened?
Have one or more near accidents or near misses?
Drift across lane markings or bump into curbs?
Forget to turn on headlights after dusk?
Have difficulty with glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights, or other bright objects, especially at dawn, dusk and at night?
Have difficulty turning their head, neck, shoulders or body while driving or parking?
Ignore signs of mechanical problems, including underinflated tires?
Not enough strength to turn the wheel quickly in an emergency.
Get lost repeatedly, even in familiar areas?
If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions, you should explore whether medical issues might be affecting their driving skills.
Here are some Medical issues to consider:
Have they had their vision and hearing tested recently?
Have they had a physical examination within the past year testing reflexes and to make sure they don't have any illnesses that could impact their driving ability?
Are they taking medications or combinations of medications that might make them drowsy or confused while driving?
Has had difficulty climbing a flight of stairs or walking more than one block?
Has fallen, not a trip or stumble, once or more in the last year?
Has had a physician told them that they should stop driving?
How to adapt to changes:
Driving is not necessarily an all-or-nothing activity. Some programs exist to help elderly drivers adjust their driving to changes in their physical condition:
AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons) sponsors the 55-Alive Mature Driver Program, which helps older people deal with issues such as how to compensate for vision problems associated with aging. And, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation offers referrals to specialists who teach people with disabilities, including those associated with aging, how to improve their driving.
There are many ways for elderly drivers to adjust so they are not a danger to themselves or others. Among them are:
Avoid driving at night, at dawn or dusk
Drive only to and from familiar locations
Avoid driving far away from home
Avoid expressways and rush hour traffic
Allow plenty of time to get where they are going
Don't drive alone
There are Other forms of transportation:
Encourage your elderly loved one to rely more on other types of transportation such as public transportation. This will reduce their time behind the wheel and help prepare them for the day when they can no longer drive. Many cities offer special discounts for seniors on buses and trains, and senior centers and community service agencies often provide special transportation alternatives.
So How to get them to stop driving:
If you really feel strongly that your parent can't drive safely, you have very little choice but get them to stop. If your elderly loved one agrees without an argument, wonderful. If not, you have many options:
You can stage an intervention. This approach, involves confronting the elderly driver as a group of concerned family and friends. The group should include family, health workers and anyone else respected by the elderly loved one. The intervention must be handled firmly but with compassion in order to break through the denial of the driving issue.
As one of your last resorts you could contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles and report your concerns. Depending upon state laws and your senior's disabilities, it may be illegal for them to drive. The DMV may just send a letter, but it could help convince your loved one to stop driving.
The ultimate last resort is to take the keys, disable the car or move it. Leave the headlights on all night or disconnect the battery to disable the car. But if your loved one is likely to call a mechanic, you have no choice but to not allow any access to the car. This may seem very extreme, but it can save the lives of your loved one and others on the road.
Here are some Resources to help;
AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) offers the highly recommended Driver Safety Program for older people.
The Association for Driver Rehabilitation offers referrals to professionals trained to help people with disabilities, including those associated with aging. Contact them at: P.O. Box 49, Edgerton, Wisconsin 53534, 1-608-884-8833.
The USAA Educational Foundation, AARP, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration developed a very informative booklet, "Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully."
I hope this has been helpful to any of you that may have to go through this soon.
Have a great day All!
For the most part elderly drivers are safe.
But driving skills do decline with age. But just as with other age groups, driving skills vary from person to person. Telling our elderly loved ones that it may be time to stop driving can be one of the hardest milestones for caregivers, sons, daughters, spouses. Driving represents freedom and independence to the elderly, it allows them the choice to visit with friends & go shopping, without having to rely on anyone else to taxi them around.
Elderly driving skills vary greatly. It's not fair to punish all elderly drivers for problems created by just a small number of elderly drivers. It would not be appropriate for the government to revoke an elderly person's drivers license just because the person has reached a particular age.
When the big question of declining driving abilities becomes a personal issue in your life, the issues involved are very emotional. Elderly drivers might get defensive, even angry, when the subject of their driving abilities is raised. So, include the elderly person in the decision-making process if possible rather than dictate a decision to them. It can also be very helpful if both you and your elderly loved one discuss the matter together with family members, doctors, and other people they respect, such as clergy and friends. But, if despite your best efforts you still have to make the decision to stop them from driving for their own safety and the safety of others.
So just how does aging affect the abilities of elderly drivers?
Being a safe elderly driver requires complex coordination of several different skills. The physical and mental changes that are accompanied with aging can diminish the abilities of the elderly driver. These changes include:
A slowdown in response time
A loss of clarity in vision and hearing
A loss of muscle strength and flexibility
Drowsiness due to medications
A reduction in the ability to focus or concentrate
Taking each one of these issues seperately does not automaticaly mean that elderly driver should stop driving. But caregivers and family members need to evaluate the elderly person's driving on a regular basis to determine if the elderly persons functions alter their driving skills.
Here is a checklist on safe driving for the elderly:
Watch for signs of decline in the elderly person's driving abilities. Do they:
Drive at inappropriate speeds, either too fast or too slow?
Ask passengers to help check if it is clear to pass or turn?
Respond slowly to or not notice pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers?
Ignore, disobey or misinterpret street signs and traffic lights?
Fail to yield to other cars or pedestrians who have the right-of-way?
Fail to judge distances between cars correctly?
Become easily frustrated and angry?
Appear drowsy, confused or frightened?
Have one or more near accidents or near misses?
Drift across lane markings or bump into curbs?
Forget to turn on headlights after dusk?
Have difficulty with glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights, or other bright objects, especially at dawn, dusk and at night?
Have difficulty turning their head, neck, shoulders or body while driving or parking?
Ignore signs of mechanical problems, including underinflated tires?
Not enough strength to turn the wheel quickly in an emergency.
Get lost repeatedly, even in familiar areas?
If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions, you should explore whether medical issues might be affecting their driving skills.
Here are some Medical issues to consider:
Have they had their vision and hearing tested recently?
Have they had a physical examination within the past year testing reflexes and to make sure they don't have any illnesses that could impact their driving ability?
Are they taking medications or combinations of medications that might make them drowsy or confused while driving?
Has had difficulty climbing a flight of stairs or walking more than one block?
Has fallen, not a trip or stumble, once or more in the last year?
Has had a physician told them that they should stop driving?
How to adapt to changes:
Driving is not necessarily an all-or-nothing activity. Some programs exist to help elderly drivers adjust their driving to changes in their physical condition:
AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons) sponsors the 55-Alive Mature Driver Program, which helps older people deal with issues such as how to compensate for vision problems associated with aging. And, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation offers referrals to specialists who teach people with disabilities, including those associated with aging, how to improve their driving.
There are many ways for elderly drivers to adjust so they are not a danger to themselves or others. Among them are:
Avoid driving at night, at dawn or dusk
Drive only to and from familiar locations
Avoid driving far away from home
Avoid expressways and rush hour traffic
Allow plenty of time to get where they are going
Don't drive alone
There are Other forms of transportation:
Encourage your elderly loved one to rely more on other types of transportation such as public transportation. This will reduce their time behind the wheel and help prepare them for the day when they can no longer drive. Many cities offer special discounts for seniors on buses and trains, and senior centers and community service agencies often provide special transportation alternatives.
So How to get them to stop driving:
If you really feel strongly that your parent can't drive safely, you have very little choice but get them to stop. If your elderly loved one agrees without an argument, wonderful. If not, you have many options:
You can stage an intervention. This approach, involves confronting the elderly driver as a group of concerned family and friends. The group should include family, health workers and anyone else respected by the elderly loved one. The intervention must be handled firmly but with compassion in order to break through the denial of the driving issue.
As one of your last resorts you could contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles and report your concerns. Depending upon state laws and your senior's disabilities, it may be illegal for them to drive. The DMV may just send a letter, but it could help convince your loved one to stop driving.
The ultimate last resort is to take the keys, disable the car or move it. Leave the headlights on all night or disconnect the battery to disable the car. But if your loved one is likely to call a mechanic, you have no choice but to not allow any access to the car. This may seem very extreme, but it can save the lives of your loved one and others on the road.
Here are some Resources to help;
AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) offers the highly recommended Driver Safety Program for older people.
The Association for Driver Rehabilitation offers referrals to professionals trained to help people with disabilities, including those associated with aging. Contact them at: P.O. Box 49, Edgerton, Wisconsin 53534, 1-608-884-8833.
The USAA Educational Foundation, AARP, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration developed a very informative booklet, "Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully."
I hope this has been helpful to any of you that may have to go through this soon.
Have a great day All!
Question of the elderly driving
Hello Caregivers and seniors!
Heres a big topic that is always so hard to confront, but for everyones safety it is an issue we need to face head on. I am putting together an article with the best infoI could find and I will be posting it tomorrow. I just didnt have enough time to finish it all today.
You will hear from me tomorrow and I will include resources that will be helpful.
Take care all,
“As I approve of a youth that has something of the old man in him, so I am no less pleased with an old man that has something of the youth. He that follows this rule may be old in body, but can never be so in mind.”
Heres a big topic that is always so hard to confront, but for everyones safety it is an issue we need to face head on. I am putting together an article with the best infoI could find and I will be posting it tomorrow. I just didnt have enough time to finish it all today.
You will hear from me tomorrow and I will include resources that will be helpful.
Take care all,
“As I approve of a youth that has something of the old man in him, so I am no less pleased with an old man that has something of the youth. He that follows this rule may be old in body, but can never be so in mind.”
Taking Care of the Caregiver
We as caregivers know how stressful caregiving can be. It is very important to take care of ourselves in order to be the best caregiver for our loved one that we can be. Here are some important tips to help keep you stress free or atleast reduce your stress.
Follow these tips for caregiver support:
- Eat a balanced diet. This is very important to good long-term health, and it shouldn’t be hard to manage. Chances are the person you’re caring for has been ordered to eat well, and you’re probably preparing and/or sharing many of those meals.
- Get plenty of rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep every night. If you're short on sleep because your caregiver duties require you to be up and down during the night, take naps the following day when you have a chance.
- Exercise regularly. Even a walk around the block will help clear your mind and keep you more feeling refreshed. Regular exercise will give you more energy, reduce your stress, and elevate your mood. Try some strength training, that will help keep your bones and muscles strong.
- Relax. Do relaxation exercises--such as deep breathing or meditating--to reduce caregiver stress. If possible, set aside a few minutes at the beginning and end of your day to practice meditation.
Relaxing in this way will help you start the day more calmly, and make it easier to sleep at night. Also do deep breathing now and then throughout the day to helps keep your stress under control.
- Take a break. Once or twice each week stop being a caregiver for and take some time for yourself. If you do, you'll be happier and better able to care for your loved one.
- See your doctor. Get regular medical check-ups; you need them more than ever now, because you’re managing a lot of extra stress.
Being a caregiver for your loved one is one of the toughest jobs ever. It’s frustrating and terrifying, exhausting and overwhelming, but it is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do — a supreme act of love.
We need to stick together
I think Ronald Reagan said it best with this comment:
“In raising and instructing our children, in providing personal and compassionate care for the elderly, in maintaining the spiritual strength of religious commitment among our people-- in these and other ways, America's families make immeasurable contributions to America's well-being. Today, more than ever, it is essential that these contributions not be taken for granted and that each of us remember that the strength of our families is vital to the strength of our nation.”
Ronald Reagan quotes (American 40th US President (1981- 89), 1911-2004)
This is a time in our economy where we need to keep our families together and do what we can for each other. Caring for our seniors is a vital part of who and what this country is made of.
Thanks to all of you caregivers and family members out there, we can keep our country strong by keeping our family ties strong.
“In raising and instructing our children, in providing personal and compassionate care for the elderly, in maintaining the spiritual strength of religious commitment among our people-- in these and other ways, America's families make immeasurable contributions to America's well-being. Today, more than ever, it is essential that these contributions not be taken for granted and that each of us remember that the strength of our families is vital to the strength of our nation.”
Ronald Reagan quotes (American 40th US President (1981- 89), 1911-2004)
This is a time in our economy where we need to keep our families together and do what we can for each other. Caring for our seniors is a vital part of who and what this country is made of.
Thanks to all of you caregivers and family members out there, we can keep our country strong by keeping our family ties strong.
Pink Eye Article
I found this article about Pink Eye and I thought it had some good information I wanted to share with all caregivers. As caregivers to our loved ones it can be a struggle daily to keep infections from them. Pink eye is one of those that comes on without any warning and can be hard on our loved ones. I hope you find this article helpful:
How Virus Puts the 'Pink' in Pink Eye
THURSDAY, April 15 -- Scientists have figured out how the eye reacts to the virus that causes pink 
Pink eye (viral keratoconjunctivitis) is highly contagious, and some people with the condition must remain in isolation for up to two weeks. Inflammation causes red, irritated eyes, blurry vision and uncomfortable discharge. Worse, there is no known effective treatment for it.
Scientists used a new model to identify what part of the pink eye virus (adenovirus keratitus) caused the inflammation familiar to people suffering from the condition.
In tests on mice with pink eye, the scientists found that the
"We were interested in understanding what part of the human adenovirus causes inflammation. We found that is it the protein coating around the virus that is the most inflammatory in the eye," senior author Dr. James Chodosh, a surgeon at the Massachusetts Eye and Eye Infirmary, said in a news release.
"This is important because without inflammation, there would be no discharge from the eye, and therefore no transmission [of the disease]. Now that we know what causes the inflammation, we hope to find a way to block it," he said.
The study appears in the April 15 issue of the journal PLoS Pathogens.
More information
The Foundation of the American Academy of
The simple things
When I had my facility I had a wonderful female resident named Paulie. She had several issues that confined her to a wheelchair. One evening I sat with her and watched the sunset during the summer. She said to me "That was beautiful! Now, I would like to see the sunrise. I havent seen the sunrise in years. " A tear came to her eye and she became quiet. The sunset disappeared and I had to finish things up for the night.I got Paulie ready for bed, she said her prayers and I tucked her in.
Well, the next morning I got up very early to get a few things done before the residents awoke. After about an hour I noticed a bright pink light shining on the wall. I turned and looked outside and saw the most brilliant, beautiful sunrise I had seen in years. It was early but I knew I had to act quick as we all know how quickly the sunrise changes. I dropped what I was doing and ran to Paulies room. I woke her up gently but I know she could hear the excitement in my voice. I told her "I want to show you something, I need to move quickly" so I got her in her wheelchair, still in her jammies, tossed a blanket over her and wheeled her quickly out to the front patio. She didn't say a word. Just watched the sunrise. It was bright pink and orange. Some of the deepest colors I have ever seen in the sunrise.
At breakfast that morning it was was quiet as everyone was trying to wake up. Paulie peeps up over the others at the table and says "I saw the most beautiful sunrise this morning before anyone else was even awake". She was tickled pink to have spent that time watching the sunset and sitting quietly with me. I could tell it was a very special moment for her.
She was so excited about something most of us take for granted. It was such a peaceful moment for her and it made me stop in my tracks and think about the way I saw things around me. I think we tend to forget how everything is such a gift. Being able to get up and see the sunrise every morning, standing up out of bed, being able to care for these wonderful people.
I love my job!
Just remember to stop and watch the sunset!
Take care, all of you wonderful caregivers!
Well, the next morning I got up very early to get a few things done before the residents awoke. After about an hour I noticed a bright pink light shining on the wall. I turned and looked outside and saw the most brilliant, beautiful sunrise I had seen in years. It was early but I knew I had to act quick as we all know how quickly the sunrise changes. I dropped what I was doing and ran to Paulies room. I woke her up gently but I know she could hear the excitement in my voice. I told her "I want to show you something, I need to move quickly" so I got her in her wheelchair, still in her jammies, tossed a blanket over her and wheeled her quickly out to the front patio. She didn't say a word. Just watched the sunrise. It was bright pink and orange. Some of the deepest colors I have ever seen in the sunrise.
At breakfast that morning it was was quiet as everyone was trying to wake up. Paulie peeps up over the others at the table and says "I saw the most beautiful sunrise this morning before anyone else was even awake". She was tickled pink to have spent that time watching the sunset and sitting quietly with me. I could tell it was a very special moment for her.
She was so excited about something most of us take for granted. It was such a peaceful moment for her and it made me stop in my tracks and think about the way I saw things around me. I think we tend to forget how everything is such a gift. Being able to get up and see the sunrise every morning, standing up out of bed, being able to care for these wonderful people.
I love my job!
Just remember to stop and watch the sunset!
Take care, all of you wonderful caregivers!
Ten Signs of Dementia
Having this list to use in assessing your elderly loved ones cognitive abilities can be useful when you go to the doctor. Use this as a checklist and write any other questions you have about a particular sign or symptom.
This will be very helpful in a diagnosis of Alzheimers or other dementia.
Here are the signs:
#1 Challenges in planning or solving problems
#2 Difficulty in completing tasks at work or home
#3 Changes in memory that disrupt daily life
#4 Confused about time, people or place
#5 Trouble understanding spatial relationships and visual images
#6 Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps
#7 Problems with writing and speaking words
#8 Changes in mood and personality
#9 Withdrawal from work and social activities
#10 Diminished judgment, poor judgment
I hope this is a helpful resource to you caregivers.
Take care and take a deep breath
This will be very helpful in a diagnosis of Alzheimers or other dementia.
Here are the signs:
#1 Challenges in planning or solving problems
#2 Difficulty in completing tasks at work or home
#3 Changes in memory that disrupt daily life
#4 Confused about time, people or place
#5 Trouble understanding spatial relationships and visual images
#6 Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps
#7 Problems with writing and speaking words
#8 Changes in mood and personality
#9 Withdrawal from work and social activities
#10 Diminished judgment, poor judgment
I hope this is a helpful resource to you caregivers.
Take care and take a deep breath
Weight Loss
A review site about Weight Loss has been posted about two different types of products. Both are natural and may be compatible with the elderly or seniors, but always speak with the doctor first before starting a senior on any weight loss program. One product is Hoodia and the other is Resveratrol and are all the talk right now. If you would like to read about these just CLICK HERE
Good evening all, make sure to get some rest!
Good evening all, make sure to get some rest!
Found the alarms
HI all you beautiful caregivers. I wanted to update you on the medication alarms. I have a link to one that I found that vibrates and is worn in a band on your arm. It can be set for reminders of medication, appointments, to do items. It looks like a great little item. Heres the link
http://www.mytinyreminder.com
I will still keep looking for the one that you wear around the neck.
Have a great day !
http://www.mytinyreminder.com
I will still keep looking for the one that you wear around the neck.
Have a great day !
Personal Medication Alarm
Good day all Caregivers! I saw an interesting product on the Doctors show today.It is a personal medication alarm that the senior wears around their neck. It sounds an alarm when it is time to take a medication. This could be a great tool to use for your elderly loved one that lives alone or in an assisted living facility.Especially if there is any dementia or alzhiemers. I will research these and find a link to put here so any of you can easily find this product.
Take care all you wonderful caregivers! Please let us know of any great resources you would like to share.
“Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.”
Oscar Wilde
Take care all you wonderful caregivers! Please let us know of any great resources you would like to share.
“Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.”
Oscar Wilde
News article about Alzhiemers
There is a great news article in Business Week that discusses early detection of Alzheimer's. They also have a link to the Alzheimer's Assoc. It is very interesting. Go there FROM THIS LINK http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/637682.html
It really is a great article.
Please post any comments you have, Have a great day!
"The greatest discovery of the 20th Century is that our attitude
of mind determines our quality of life, not circumstances,"
-- William James,
Father of modern day psychology.
It really is a great article.
Please post any comments you have, Have a great day!
"The greatest discovery of the 20th Century is that our attitude
of mind determines our quality of life, not circumstances,"
-- William James,
Father of modern day psychology.
Low Cost Medications Delivered to your home
Hi all. I have found a great online pharmacy that really does have low prices. They have been serving patients online since 2001. Great customer service, and if they mess up in sending you your order, they will send you a re-shipment completely FREE! Another nice feature they have is that they also sell pet medications. It really is a one stop shop. Check them out here Low Cost Medications for you and your pet
Any comments please drop me a note here. Have a great day caregivers and remember to keep healthy!
Any comments please drop me a note here. Have a great day caregivers and remember to keep healthy!
Housing Options for the Elderly
There are many choices when thinking of placing your loved one in a care home environment. Consider all the needs of your loved one. Are they safe alone at any time? Do they need help remembering their medications? Are they eating well? Are they at risk of falls?
The least intrusive and life changing is living at their home. If their needs are minimal you could hire in caregivers that can help with things like laundry, meal preparation, bathing etc. The type of home helpers that don't perform any medical treatments or care do not have to be certified and cost less for that reason. But if your loved one needs a caregiver to perform treatments or therapies, or stay 24 hours, it will cost more. Here in Washington state it is average 150-240 per 24 hour shift for a caregiver. Now if your senior loved one needs a more secure environment an Assisted living community might bode well for them. Assisted living communities offer amenities such as meals served dining room style, housekeeping services, laundry and some offer medication assistance. When you visit any of these facilities be sure to have a list of your most important features that are needed. Ask questions until you are sure they have answered all that you have.
Another convenient type of facility is the Continuing Care Facilities. They offer apartment style retirement living and progress with your care needs to assisted living apartments all the way to their onsite nursing facility. This is a helpful type of community for many families because once they've placed their elderly loved one, they will not have to continually move them as their care needs progress.
A great option we have here in Washington state are what are called Adult Family Homes. They are private homes that care for the elderly and disabled. They are limited to 6 patients per home and are fully licensed and governed by the State of Washington. There are some wonderful Adult Family Homes out there. Just visit and ask questions and follow up with their inspection records with the state. These homes offer caregivers on site 24/7, medication assistance, laundry, meal preparation, treatments, therapies, activities, bathing assistance, grooming and daily care needs. Adult Family Homes can take a patient from very low levels of care needed all the way through end of life. Because Adult Family Homes are small, they offer a very intimate home like setting. Also, your loved one will not have to move several times as their care needs grow.
The last type of facility for the elderly that we will discuss are the Skilled nursing facilities. They offer higher levels of care than all the rest of the facilities. They are staffed 24/7 with nurses, CNA caregivers and offer many more types of therapies and treatments. Nursing homes also offer the convenience of a doctor on staff that takes care of all of their medical needs. Meals are prepared 3 times a day along with snacks. Bathing is done on a regular basis and medications are administered by licensed nurses.
All facilities need to be visited by you and looked over well. Check out the facility on the states website to see if and what their violations from the Health Department are. And always, always trust your gut in these matters. You want the best place for your loved one. If you have any questions please post it and we will do our best to help out. Hug a Senior!!
The least intrusive and life changing is living at their home. If their needs are minimal you could hire in caregivers that can help with things like laundry, meal preparation, bathing etc. The type of home helpers that don't perform any medical treatments or care do not have to be certified and cost less for that reason. But if your loved one needs a caregiver to perform treatments or therapies, or stay 24 hours, it will cost more. Here in Washington state it is average 150-240 per 24 hour shift for a caregiver. Now if your senior loved one needs a more secure environment an Assisted living community might bode well for them. Assisted living communities offer amenities such as meals served dining room style, housekeeping services, laundry and some offer medication assistance. When you visit any of these facilities be sure to have a list of your most important features that are needed. Ask questions until you are sure they have answered all that you have.
Another convenient type of facility is the Continuing Care Facilities. They offer apartment style retirement living and progress with your care needs to assisted living apartments all the way to their onsite nursing facility. This is a helpful type of community for many families because once they've placed their elderly loved one, they will not have to continually move them as their care needs progress.
A great option we have here in Washington state are what are called Adult Family Homes. They are private homes that care for the elderly and disabled. They are limited to 6 patients per home and are fully licensed and governed by the State of Washington. There are some wonderful Adult Family Homes out there. Just visit and ask questions and follow up with their inspection records with the state. These homes offer caregivers on site 24/7, medication assistance, laundry, meal preparation, treatments, therapies, activities, bathing assistance, grooming and daily care needs. Adult Family Homes can take a patient from very low levels of care needed all the way through end of life. Because Adult Family Homes are small, they offer a very intimate home like setting. Also, your loved one will not have to move several times as their care needs grow.
The last type of facility for the elderly that we will discuss are the Skilled nursing facilities. They offer higher levels of care than all the rest of the facilities. They are staffed 24/7 with nurses, CNA caregivers and offer many more types of therapies and treatments. Nursing homes also offer the convenience of a doctor on staff that takes care of all of their medical needs. Meals are prepared 3 times a day along with snacks. Bathing is done on a regular basis and medications are administered by licensed nurses.
All facilities need to be visited by you and looked over well. Check out the facility on the states website to see if and what their violations from the Health Department are. And always, always trust your gut in these matters. You want the best place for your loved one. If you have any questions please post it and we will do our best to help out. Hug a Senior!!
Holidays are a great time to assess our elderly loved ones
HI all, I hope you all had a great Easter. Holidays are a great time to assess the progressing needs of your loved ones. We are able to see and interact with them in a setting that can help us assess the abilities and disabilities of the elderly family members. Take note of their memory while they are telling stories. Do they recognize those around them that should be familiar to them. How is their weight? Hygiene, speaking skills? These can all be clues that your senior loved one needs more care than previously thought. If they are losing a lot of weight, they may be forgetting to eat. Showing signs of a memory deficit. Along with the inability to recognize someone in their family that they are familiar with. Because we do not always see our loved ones we may not realize their deficits in memory and care needs. Holidays pose a great opportunity to analyze these issues. If you notice a change in your elderly loved one, it is a good time to set up an appointment with their physician. Caregivers are usually the first to notice these changes but if the loved one lives alone or has other caregivers, this is a perfect time to assess these changes. Some changes that affect memory do not necessarily mean dementia, it could be that they have a urinary tract infection or other illness. Infections can create devastating effects on the elderly. I am putting together a post dealing with the housing options of our senior loved ones and will have it up soon. It might be these times that we visit where we notice the senior needs more care and supervision then they are receiving and housing options can be confusing. I will try to put the blog together with the best information I can find. Thanks all and have a great week!
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